The government of Kenya is calling for regional and International cooperation, in efforts to address the challenge of illicit cultivation and production of drugs.
Speaking in Abuja Nigeria, the Secretary for National Administration in the State Department of Internal Security, Beverly Opwora said Kenya is ready to work with its neighbours to stop drug production.
She noted that Kenya has continued to deal with cross-border illicit trafficking with several seizures of considerable amounts of marijuana consignments worth millions of shillings along the Kenya-Ethiopia highway reported.
“As a country, we are open to work with other countries particularly our neighboring countries in addressing illicit cultivation which, at times, is facilitated by border movements and activities,” Opwora said.
She spoke at the ongoing 31st Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa (HONLAF), where she was head of the Kenyan delegation.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) were also represented in the forum.
While acknowledging the substantial efforts Kenya has undertaken in this area, Opwora noted that much is yet to be achieved.
She said the meeting will be a learning curve for the advancement of alternative development in Kenya.
Opwora noted that regular surveillance and destruction of illicit plants as well as bringing to book persons involved in illicit cultivation are some of the strategies being implemented by the government to firmly deal with illicit cultivation.
“Kenya’s lead agency in the campaign against alcohol and drug abuse, NACADA has continued to play its rightful in the reduction of illicit cultivation and production of illicit drugs in the country.
"The government has through the National Government Administrative structures, engaged communities affected by illicit drug cultivation and sensitized them of alternative cropping and the penalties of illicit cultivation," she said.
The Secretary for National Administration in the State Department of Internal Security added that implementation of the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), Hustler Fund, and provision of subsidized fertiliser as some of the government’s interventions aimed at promoting alternative development.
NACADA acting CEO John Muteti also reiterated the Authority’s heightened efforts in public education as a deterrent to illicit cultivation and consumption of drugs and substances.
